Tranquility Master Fund claims it was misled into buying $71 million worth of mortgage-backed securities from the bankrupt bank. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Mary Walrath ruled yesterday that the hedge fund can asset claims of up to $10 million for the purpose of voting on WaMu's latest bankruptcy exit plan. Walrath will consider that plan later this month.

At the same hearing, Walrath will decide whether to approve a settlement between WaMu and Tranquility under which the latter would drop a $49 million claim against the former in exchange for a general unsecured claim of $9 million and as much as $1 million more, if there is any money left after repayment of other creditors.